Wearable Device Assembly Having Athletic Functionality

ABSTRACT

A wearable device has a carrier having an aperture. A device has a USB connection and a protrusion wherein the protrusion is received in the aperture to connect the device to the wristband. The device is a USB type device having athletic functionality. The device may further be configured to receive calibration data such that a measured distance may be converted to a known distance based on athletic activity performed by a user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application No.61/041,896 filed on Apr. 2, 2008, which application is incorporated byreference herein and made a part hereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to a USB type device, and moreparticularly, to a wearable USB type device having athleticfunctionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise and fitness have become increasingly popular and the benefitsfrom such activities are well known. Various types of technology havebeen incorporated into fitness and other athletic activities. Forexample, a wide variety of portable electronic devices are available foruse in fitness activity such as MP3 or other audio players, radios,portable televisions, DVD players, or other video playing devices,watches, GPS systems, pedometers, mobile telephones, pagers, beepers,etc. Many fitness enthusiasts or athletes use one or more of thesedevices when exercising or training to keep them entertained, provideperformance data or to keep them in contact with others etc.

Advances in technology have also provided more sophisticated athleticperformance monitoring systems. Athletic performance monitoring systemsenable easy and convenient monitoring of many physical or physiologicalcharacteristics associated with exercise and fitness activity, or otherathletic performances including, for example, speed and distance data,altitude data, GPS data, heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure data,body temperature, etc. This data can be provided to a user through aportable electronic device carried by the user. For example, oneathletic performance monitoring system may incorporate an audio playerwherein data can be incorporated for display or further communication onthe audio player. While athletic performance monitoring systemsaccording to the prior art provide a number of advantageous features,they nevertheless have certain limitations. For example, some usersprefer not to use a portable audio player or prefer to obtain anddisplay performance data separately from an audio player. Other athleticperformance monitoring systems have limited ability to further uploaddata to a personal computer or other location for further review andconsideration, or such data transfer is cumbersome for the user. Thepresent invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations andother drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features notheretofore available.

A full discussion of the features and advantages of the presentinvention is deferred to the following detailed description, whichproceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention inorder to provide a basic understanding of at least some of its aspects.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merelypresents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a preludeto the more detailed description provided below.

The present invention provides a USB type device having athleticfunctionality.

According to one aspect of the invention, a USB device is used as partof an assembly having a carrier wherein the USB device is wearable. Inaddition, the USB device has a controller that communicates with asensor to record and monitor athletic performance as an overall athleticperformance monitoring system.

According to an aspect of the invention, the USB device is connected toa carrier that in one exemplary embodiment is a wristband. The USBdevice and wristband have cooperative structure to removably connect theUSB device to the wristband. In one exemplary embodiment, the USB devicehas a protrusion and the wristband has an aperture. The protrusion isinserted into the aperture wherein the USB device is connected to thewristband. It is understood that the protrusion/aperture structurescould be reversed on the components.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the wristband has aremovable closure. The closure has an indicia-bearing plate having poststhat cooperate with openings in the wristband to secure the wristband ona user. The closure is removable wherein different closures bearingdifferent indicia can be utilized with the wristband.

According to another aspect of the invention, the USB device has ahousing supporting a controller therein. The housing has a structuralconfiguration wherein the housing is water-resistant as well as impactresistant.

According to another aspect of the invention, the controller utilizes auser interface having certain features to enhance the functionality ofthe device. The USB device has a display wherein performance data can bedisplayed to the user. The USB device can be plugged into a computerwherein performance data can be automatically uploaded to a remote sitefor further display and review.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the controller hassoftware associated therewith and having a calibration module. Thecalibration module is configured to be operably associated with thedevice and configured to display a measured distance traversed by theuser during an athletic performance. The user can compare the measureddistance to a known distance associated with the athletic performanceand adjust the measured distance to correspond to the known distance. Ina further aspect, based on the adjusted distance, the software savessuch adjustment to the device and adjusts how the device records dataassociated with future athletic performances to enhance the accuracy ofthe recording of the device.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a runner wearing a device assembly ofthe present invention used in an athletic performance monitoring system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wearable device assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wearable device assembly shown inFIG. 1, with a wristband of the device in an unfastened position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the device assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the device assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a USB-type device of the wearable deviceassembly;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is an opposite end view of the device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device taken along line12-12 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carrier or wristband of the deviceassembly of FIG. 3 and having the device of FIG. 6 removed;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the device assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a removable closure used with thewristband;

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the removable closureshown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of a runner setting the device;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the runner setting the device and a planview of the device indicating that the device is ready to start;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the runner starting the device and a planview of the device indicating time elapsed;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the runner and plan view of the deviceindicating the device is in a data recording mode;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the runner stopping the device and a planview of the device indicating that the device has been stopped;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the runner reviewing performance data anda plan view of the device preparing to indicate miles run;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the runner reviewing performance data anda plan view of the device preparing to indicate miles run in a week;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the runner reviewing performance data anda plan view of the device preparing to indicate total miles run;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the runner reviewing performance data anda plan view of the device preparing to indicate time;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the runner at a computer and having thedevice plugged into the computer;

FIG. 27 is a front view of a computer screen displaying performance datarecorded by the device;

FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an end of the deviceand carrier;

FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connector end of thedevice;

FIG. 30 is another partial cross-sectional view of the device;

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device showing an inputdevice;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a bottom member of a housing of thedevice shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 33 is a plan view of the bottom member of the housing shown in FIG.32;

FIG. 34 is a partial perspective view of the bottom member of thehousing shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is partial perspective view of the bottom member of the housingwith a portion shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom member of thehousing shown in FIG. 32;

FIGS. 37-50 are views of screen shots from software illustratingoperational characteristics of the wearable device assembly of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 51-53 are views of a calibration module associated with thesoftware and wearable device assembly of the present invention;

FIGS. 54-55 show additional views of screen shots illustratingoperational characteristics of the wearable device assembly of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 56-79 are views illustrating additional operationalcharacteristics of the wearable device assembly of the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 80-85 disclose additional views of a calibration module associatedwith the software and wearable device assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various example embodiments of theinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration variousexample devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specificarrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may beutilized and structural and functional modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms“top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” and the like may be used inthis specification to describe various example features and elements ofthe invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience,e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures. Nothing inthis specification should be construed as requiring a specific threedimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scopeof this invention.

General Description of Aspects of the Invention

The present invention provides a USB device having athleticfunctionality. In one exemplary embodiment, the USB device is as part ofan assembly having a carrier wherein the USB device is wearable. Inaddition, the USB device has a controller that communicates with asensor to record and monitor athletic performance as an overall athleticperformance monitoring system.

The USB device is connected to a carrier that in one exemplaryembodiment is a wristband. The USB device and wristband have cooperativestructure to removably connect the USB device to the wristband. In oneexemplary embodiment, the USB device has a protrusion and the wristbandhas an opening. The protrusion is inserted into the opening wherein theUSB device is connected to the wristband. The wristband has a removableclosure. The closure has an indicia-bearing plate having posts thatcooperate with openings in the wristband to secure the wristband on auser. The closure is removable wherein different closures bearingdifferent indicia can be utilized with the wristband.

The USB device has a housing supporting the controller therein. Thehousing has a structural configuration wherein the housing iswater-resistant as well as impact resistant.

The controller utilizes a user interface having certain features toenhance the functionality of the device. The USB device has a displaywherein performance data can be displayed to the user. The USB devicecan be plugged into a computer wherein performance data can beautomatically uploaded to a remote site for further display and review.

In addition, the carrier can take other forms wherein the USB device canbe worn by a user in a various different locations.

Specific Examples of the Invention

While aspects of the invention generally have been described above, thefollowing detailed description, in conjunction with the Figures,provides even more detailed examples of athletic performance monitoringsystems and methods in accordance with examples of this invention. Thoseskilled in the art should understand, of course, that the followingdescription constitutes descriptions of examples of the invention andshould not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 generally discloses an athletic performance monitoring system 10that in one exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a wearabledevice having athletic functionality. As shown in FIG. 1, the athleticperformance monitoring system 10 generally includes a module or sensor12 and a wearable device assembly 14. As discussed in greater detailbelow, the sensor 12 and wearable device assembly 14 wirelesslycommunicate with one another to record and monitor athletic performance.

The sensor 12 may have various electronic components including a powersupply, magnetic sensor element, microprocessor, memory, transmissionsystem and other suitable electronic devices. The sensor 12 in oneexemplary embodiment is mounted on the shoe of a user as shown inFIG. 1. The sensor 12 is used in conjunction with the other componentsof the system to record speed and distance among other parameters ofathletic performance. The sensor 12 can be a sensor as disclosed in U.S.Publication Nos. 2007/0006489; 2007/0011919 and 2007/0021269. These U.S.Publications are attached in Appendix A hereto and made a part hereof.

The wearable device assembly 14 generally includes a wearable device 16that in one exemplary embodiment is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) typedevice 16, and a carrier 18 that in one exemplary embodiment takes theform of a wristband 18. The device 16 has many features similar to a USBflash drive, but has additional functionality as discussed in greaterdetail below. In addition, the device 16 is removably connected to thewristband 18.

As depicted in FIGS. 6-12, the wearable device 16 generally includes ahousing 20 and a controller 21 that is contained by the housing 20.General components and functional capabilities of the controller 21 willbe described in greater detail below. The housing 20 has a first end 22,a second end 24, a first side 26, a second side 28, a front side 30, anda back side 32.

As further shown in FIGS. 6-12, the first end 22 includes a connector 23that is generally a standard USB connector having leads or contactsembedded therein. The connector 23 is integrally molded with the housing20 as described in greater below. The connector 23 is adapted to connectto a USB hub of a computer. The front side 30 has a pushbutton 33 thatwill cooperate with a first input 32 of the controller 21 forcontrolling the wearable device 16 as described in greater detail below.The first side 26 includes a side opening for accommodating a secondinput 34 of the controller 21 for controlling the wearable device 16.The front side 30 also accommodates a display 36 of the controller 21.It is understood that the front side 30 of the housing 20 could have anopening wherein a screen of the display is positioned therein. It isalso understood that the housing 20 could be formed such that it has asolid, thin layer wherein the display 36 of the controller 21 isviewable through the thin layer on the front side 30.

As depicted in FIGS. 6-12, the back side 31 of the housing 20, near thesecond end 24, has a protrusion 38. The protrusion 38 has a generallycircular cross-section. The protrusion 38 has an enlarged rounded headand an insert that fits within the interior of the housing 20 (FIG. 12).As explained in greater detail below, the protrusion 38 is adapted to beinserted into a receiver or aperture 40 in the carrier 18.

As further shown in FIGS. 6-12, the components of the controller 21 arecontained within and supported by the housing 20. The controller 21includes various electrical components allowing the controller 21 anddevice 16 to act as an interface device wherein the device 16 cancommunicate with the sensor 12, record and store data relating toathletic performance, other time information, as well as uploadperformance data to a remote location or site as described in greaterdetail below. The controller 21 further includes the first input 32 andthe second input 34. The controller 21 further includes the display 36that is positioned on the front side 30 of the housing 20. It is furtherunderstood that the controller 21 is operably connected to the connector23 of the housing.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 12-14, the carrier 18 is generally in the formof a wristband 18 having a central portion between a first end and asecond end. The wristband 18 may include a first member 18 a and secondmember 18 b generally molded or connected together. The wristband 18 isflexible to fit around a user's wrist. The wristband 18 has receivingstructures for connection to the device 16. The carrier 18 includes aprotective sleeve 60 proximate the central portion for receiving theconnector 23 of the housing 20. The protective sleeve 60 has a generallycontoured surface. As shown in FIG. 13, the sleeve 60 may have internalstructure for assisting in securing the connector 23. Also at thecentral portion, the carrier 18 has an aperture 40 dimensioned toreceive the protrusion 38 of the wearable device 16.

As further shown in FIGS. 4 and 13-16, the wristband 18 has a removableclosure 70 used to fasten the wristband 18 to a wrist of a user. To thisend, the removable closure 70 cooperates with a plurality of holes inthe wristband 18. The removable closure 70 has a plate member 72 and aplurality of posts 74 extending generally in a perpendicular directionfrom the plate member 72. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG.15, the plate member 72 has two posts 74. Each post 74 has an insert 76that is pressed on or snap-fitted onto the post 74. Each insert 76 isspot welded to the plate member 72. Other connection methods arepossible. A gap is maintained between an inside surface of the platemember 72 and a bottom surface of the post 74. In addition, each post 74has an annular channel 78 around a periphery of the post 74.

To wear the wristband, first the removable closure 70 is connected toone end of the wristband strap 18 wherein a pair of holes is provided toreceive the posts 74. The wristband 18 fills the gap. The wristband 18is positioned around the user's wrist and the posts 74 are inserted intothe holes provided on the other end of the wristband 18 as can beappreciated from FIG. 2. The portion of the wristband 18 proximate theholes fits within the annular channels 78 of the posts 74. With the useof a pair of posts 74, the removable closure 70 allows for a secureconnection and greater flexibility in connection providing for a greateradjustment to accommodate for a range of wrist sizes.

Additionally, the plate member 72 can have indicia 73 thereon. The platemember 72, when attached to the wristband 18 faces away from thewristband 18 wherein the indicia 73 can be viewed by others. Because theremovable closure 70 is easily removable, the closure 70 can be used asa memento, different closures can be provided and used with thewristband 18. Thus, removable closures 70 having different indicia canbe provided and used as a keepsake, memento, or a reward foraccomplishing a goal, participating in a race, or otherwise achieving acertain level of fitness. Indicia can take various forms includingwording, graphics, color schemes, textures, or other designs etc.

As discussed, the wearable device 16 is removably connected to thecarrier 18. The connector 23 is inserted into the sleeve 60 of thecarrier 18, and the protrusion 38 is placed into the aperture 40 of thecarrier 18. The enlarged head of the protrusion abuts against thewristband 18 to retain the device 16 onto the wristband 18. Thisprovides for a wearable device 16 that can be disconnected from thecarrier 18 when desired and plugged into a computer as discussed ingreater detail below. It is understood that detent structures can beprovided between the connector 23 and sleeve 60 of the various differentembodiments disclosed herein.

It is understood that the device 16 has general functions such askeeping the time of day just like a convention watch device. It isfurther understood, however, that the device 16 can be used as part ofthe athletic performance monitoring system 10. For example, a userwearing shoes having the sensor 12 mounted therein can use the device 16to wirelessly communicate with the sensor 12 and monitor performancesuch as for running.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 17-27, when the user wants to start arun, the user must first allow the sensor 12 to communicate with thewearable device 16. To do this, the user pushes and holds the firstinput 32 via the pushbutton 33 on the front side 30 of the housing 20.While the user holds the first input 32, the display 36 exhibitsscrolling zeros as the wearable device 16 searches for the sensor 12.Once the sensor 12 is located, as shown in FIG. 18, the display 36indicates that the wearable device 16 is ready to start by displaying ashoe symbol 62 in the upper left corner and a blinking underline 64. Theuser then pushes the first input 32 again to initiate the recording ofthe run. The wearable device 16 then records various information duringthe run such as elapsed time as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. A bottom lineon the display 36 animates back and forth to indicate that the device 16is in the record mode. During the run, the user can toggle through thedistance ran, current pace, elapsed time, and calories spent by pushingthe second input 34. To stop recording, the user pushes the first input32. After the device 16 is stopped, the user can review the lastdistance run (FIG. 22), average pace, calories burnt, average caloriesburnt per minute, miles ran per week (FIG. 23), total miles (FIG. 24),and the time of day of the run (FIG. 25) by pressing the second input34, which toggles through these values.

The device 16 has additional capability for uploading of the recordeddata to other remote locations such as locally on a personal computer ora remote website for further display, review and monitoring. To thisend, it is understood that the controller 21 of the device has anappropriate user interface wherein a user can download appropriatesoftware via a computer from a remote location. The device 16 is removedfrom the carrier 18 wherein the protrusion 38 is removed from theaperture 40 and the connector 23 is removed from the sleeve 60. As shownin FIGS. 26 and 27, the connector 23 is then plugged into the standardUSB hub/port on a computer C. Once the appropriate software isinstalled, the application will commence with device 16 still beingplugged into the computer. The software application may prompt the userthrough a device set-up procedure (time, calibration etc.). At thispoint, if desired, the user can upload the performance data from the runto a remote website location such as one dedicated to monitoringathletic performance. The user can log onto the particular website via astandard web-browser and upload the performance data from the device 16to the website. As shown in FIG. 27, the user can then review datarelating to the run. The website may display the data in graphical form.Other features can also be provided to assist the user in utilizing thedata recorded by the device. Additional registration features can beprovided with the website wherein additional features can be provided tothe user for use with the device 16.

The user interface associated with the controller 21 of the device 16can provide additional functionality to the user. The software caninclude a self launching feature, which automatically launches thesoftware once the wearable device 16 is connected to a computercontaining the software. Once the program is launched, the software willalso automatically download the data from the device 16 to the computerand transfer the data to a web server and to the website discussedabove. The software can also detect the device class connected to theport and configure the correct application for that specific device. Forexample, there may be wearable devices 16 having differentconfigurations, or technical capabilities, and thus may be classifieddifferently. The software can change the feature set of the fitnessactivity recording of the wearable device 16 connected to the port ofthe computer. After the wearable device 16 is disconnected from thecomputer, the software automatically exits. The user interface may alsobe configured to allow a user to selectively activate and de-activatefeatures according to the preferences of the user. The user may also beable to modify software associated with the device.

The software has an extremely simple calibration method and userinterface. For example, it is very simple to calibrate distancemeasurements onto the device. A calibration module associated with thesoftware as well being configured to be operably associated with thedevice assembly 14 and sensor 12 is described in greater detail below.The software can also track motivational information among severalclasses of fitness activity recording devices. For example, the user canset weekly goals and the software can track the user's progress withthese goals. The user can also use multiple devices, such as an audioplayer having a suitable interface device, other types of sport watchesetc., along with the device of the present invention, and the softwarewill accumulate the weekly and overall total distance recorded by all ofthe devices. Thus, the data is kept synchronized over multiple devices.

The website can additionally have a guest log in, which allows the userto upload data automatically from the device without requiring the userto register. This feature allows the user to use the website withoutgiving personal information. Later, if the user decides to register thedevice, a unique PIN number associated with each wearable device ismatched up with registration information automatically.

As discussed, the wearable device assembly 14 utilizes its housing 20 tosupport the controller 21 and associated components. In one exemplaryembodiment, the housing 20 has unique structures to enhance itsfunctionality. Because the device 16 is used in fitness activities,there is some chance that the device 16 can be subject to water ormoisture such as perspiration. The housing 20 is designed to bewater-resistant to protect components of the controller 21.

As shown in FIGS. 28-36, the housing 20 has a first member 20 a and asecond member 20 b. The first member 20 a is joined with the secondmember 20 b to form the housing 20. The members 20 a, 20 b are generallyformed from plastic in an injection molding process. It is understoodthat the housing 20 can be constructed from other suitable materials.

As discussed, the front side 30 of the housing 20 has a first pushbutton 33 that is flexible and cooperates with the first input 34 of thecontroller 21. In an exemplary embodiment, the first push button 33 isco-molded with the first member 20 a. The co-molding process allows forthe combination of a hard plastic portion with a soft elastic polymerportion. The hard polymer portion provides the controller 21 withadequate protection from shock or other forces, and the soft elasticpolymer portion of the push button 33 allows the user to depress thefirst push button 33 to actuate the first input 32. With the co-moldingprocess, the first push button 33 is integral with the housing 20.Together the hard polymer portion and the soft elastic polymer portionprovide for an adequate sealed structure of the housing 20 around thefirst push button 33 of the housing 20.

As depicted in FIGS. 32-36, the second member 20 b of the housing 20 isformed in an injection molding process having the connector 23 and aU-shaped groove 80. The connector 20 has a plurality of leads orcontacts 81 associated therewith making up the USB connection. Theconnector 23 is integrally molded with the remaining portions of thesecond member 20 b to eliminate the need for a separate connection andseal around the connector 23. The leads 81 can have break-off portionsto assist in the molding process. As further shown in FIGS. 27-36, theU-shaped groove 80 is molded into the second member 20 b and extendsaround the full periphery of the second member 20 b. The second member20 b also includes locating ribs for assisting in providing an accuratefit between the first member 20 a and the second member 20 b.

To join the first member 20 a and the second member 20 b, the necessarycomponents of the controller 21 are suitably mounted in and connected tothe second member 20 b. The U-shaped groove 80 is filled with an epoxy84 (shown schematically in FIG. 28). A flexible epoxy suitable forbonding injection molded parts is used. The first member 20 a is thenplaced onto the second member 20 b using the locating ribs and the epoxyis allowed to set. Once the epoxy sets, a flexible and water resistantseal is formed between the first member 20 a and the second member 20 b.

As further shown in FIG. 31, the second input 32 has a second pushbutton 37 associated therewith. The second push button 37 has anactuator post 39 extending therefrom and through the side opening of thehousing 20. It is understood that the first member 20 a and secondmember 20 b of the housing 20 are molded to define the side opening. Theside opening narrows down to a post opening 41 adjacent an interior ofthe housing 20 for communication with further components of the secondinput 34. The actuator post 39 has an annular groove 43 around aperiphery of the post 39. Additionally, a sealing member such as ano-ring 88 surrounds the actuator post 39 in the annular groove 43. Theo-ring 88 is sized to seal against the interior surface defined by thepost opening 41. The o-ring 88 provides an adequate seal such thatdebris, water or other moisture cannot enter the housing 20 through theside opening in the housing 20.

This overall arrangement provides for a robust wearable device. Thewearable device housing structure can absorb the shocks and impacts ofrunning such that the controller can operate smoothly. Additionally, thewearable device housing structure prevents debris, water or othermoisture from ingress into the interior of the housing where it couldcontaminate the controller 21 and adversely affect operability. In oneexemplary embodiment, the wearable device 16 is water-resistant toapproximately five atmospheres of pressure.

FIGS. 37-85 disclose general operational features of the wearable deviceassembly 14. Included in these features is a calibration moduleassociated with the software and the wearable device assembly 14 andsensor 12.

The figures disclose procedures for the user in the initial setup of thewearable device assembly 14 as well as getting the user started inrecording athletic performance data such as run or walk data. Thiscovers the procedures undertaken by the user in getting started with theassembly 14. Procedures for using the Settings Window, the User Tab andTime Tab are also described.

FIGS. 51-53 disclose additional calibration procedures for the assembly14. While the wearable device assembly 14 is generally accurate for mostusers without calibration, utilizing the available calibrationprocedures can improve the accuracy of the assembly 14 for a user'sparticular running or walking style. The calibration procedure isperformed for running or walking separately. As discussed above, thesystem utilizes associated software such as when uploading athleticperformance data to the remote site. The wearable device assembly 14 andsoftware may then have a calibration module associated therewith for auser to implement the calibration procedures. The calibration module isoperably associated with the assembly 14 and can reside at variouslocations including on a desktop utility associated with the user'scomputer C or at some other remote location such as the remote site asdescribed above.

The user first enables the assembly 14 for recording data as describedabove and establishes a calibration run or walk by running or walking aknown distance at a steady, natural pace. When referring to a run by theuser herein, it is understood that this could be either a run or a walkby the user. It is important the distance be measured accurately and,therefore, a running track may be useful for such calibrations asdistances are typically marked and are accurate. In one exemplaryembodiment, the run or walk is between 0.25 and 1.25 miles. It isunderstood that the assembly 14 records data from the sensor based onfactory set parameters associated with the sensor 12. The assembly 14records the athletic performance of the user in the form or a run orwalk and records a measured distance of the distance traversed by theuser. The measured distance corresponds to a measured value and may berecorded in different units such as miles or kilometers. The device 16is then removed from the assembly 14 and the USB plug is inserted intothe USB port on the user's computer C. It is understood that thecomputer has all of the necessary software downloads etc. for operationas described above. Utilizing the user interface on the computer, theuser clicks on the “i” button in the main window. A Settings Windowappears and the user clicks on the calibration tab as shown in FIG. 52.A useable run or walk will be displayed in the window including distanceand date as shown in FIG. 53. It is understood that a run or walk willnot be displayed if there is no usable run or walk, such as if the runor walk was for an incorrect distance or if the user mixed running withwalking. In this case, the user interface will provide the message, “nowalks or runs were useful” wherein the user must repeat the run or walkuntil successful.

As shown in FIG. 53, the run or walk can easily be calibrated. Forexample, if the user knows the run or walk was exactly 1 mile, whichrepresents the known distance, but the Calibration tab setting showsthat the user ran or walked just over or just under a mile, whichrepresents the measured distance/value recorded by the assembly 14 incommunication with the sensor 12, the user can make adjustments to themeasured distance/measured value. As shown in FIG. 53, the user canmanually adjust the measured value using the “up” and “down” buttons sothat 1 mile is shown. Thus, the calibration module allows the user toadjust the measured distance to correspond to the known distance. If thedistance shown is 1 mile, the user does not need to change the display.The user clicks the “Done” button wherein the changes are saved, theSettings Window is closed and the user is taken back to the main UtilityWindow. This calibration adjustment is thus saved to the assembly 14wherein when the assembly 14 is recording data with the associatedsensor 12 in subsequent athletic performances, the assembly 14 willrecord data based on the calibration adjustment recorded and saved bythe user. Accordingly, the assembly 14 will have enhanced data recordingcapabilities based on the user calibration performed. As discussed, thesensor 12 and/or assembly 14 will initially record data at certain setparameters and may be referred to as factory set parameters. Using thecalibration module, the user can adjust the distance measured in acalibration run thus defining a modified parameter. This modifiedparameter is saved to the assembly 14 wherein when the assembly 14records subsequent athletic performances, the assembly 14 records datafrom the sensor 12 based on the modified parameter. It is understoodthat the assembly 14 and sensor 12 has a calibration value for a run anda separate calibration value for a walk and thus the user must calibrateruns and walks separately. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly 14communicates with the sensor 12 to record run/walk data wherein it isunderstood that there is a linear relationship between foot contact timeof the user and pace, wherein foot contact time may be considered aY-axis value and pace may be considered an X-axis value. A run or walkcan be represented by a line utilizing the line algorithm, y=mx+b,wherein m equals the slope and b equals the Y-intercept. Thus, based onthe line algorithm, data is recorded according to a line having acertain slope. Once the user adjusts or modifies the measured distanceto correspond to the known distance, the slope is modified according tothe user adjustment. This new slope is saved wherein for subsequentperformance data recordings, the assembly 14 will communicate with thesensor 12 to record data at the modified parameter or slope. Suchcalibration adjustment provides for enhanced data recordingcapabilities.

The device 16 is capable of storing calibration information for multiplesensors, such as if the user runs or walks in several different pairs ofshoes. In one exemplary embodiment, the device 16 can accommodateinformation for up to 8 sensors. Each time the user obtains a newsensor, the calibration procedure described above should be performed.If the user desires to calibrate the device 16 a second time, the usermust reset the run or walk in the Calibration tab settings. The userclicks the Reset button to return the device 16 back to the originalfactory calibration settings. This improves the accuracy of subsequentcalibrations. It is further noted that even after calibrating, theaccuracy of the distance measurements may vary depending on gait,running surface, incline, or temperature. Also, calibrating a target“race pace” will provide the user better accuracy when running a race.

The assembly 14 also has further calibration capabilities to enhanceoverall operation. As discussed, users can access and track performancedata relating to previous runs or walks. Such data is stored at remotelocations such as a website dedicated to such data. In one exemplaryembodiment, the overall user interface allows a user to connect arecorded run with a mapped profile. The mapped profile shows the totaldistance of the run and represents a known distance. When the user makesthis connection, the distance of the run can be compared to the measureddistance of the run. If these values are different, the user can beprompted to use the mapped distance to calibrate the device 16.Additional windows or buttons can be provided to effect such a change.

In another alternative calibration procedure, the overall user interfaceallows a user the option to “name a run.” When multiple runs (e.g.,three runs in one exemplary embodiment) are linked to the same run name,the user interface can use the average of the multiple runs and comparethis value to the last distance run. If these values are different, theuser interface can prompt the user to use the multi-run average tocalibrate the device 16. Thus the multi-run average of prior runs orwalks can be used as the known distance for calibration. Additionalwindows or buttons can be provided to effect such a change.

FIGS. 80-85 disclose additional screen shots from the user interfaceassociated with the calibration module of the present invention whereina run and/or walk recorded with the assembly 14 and sensor 12 can becalibrated. As previously discussed, the assembly 14 has softwareoperably associated therewith that includes the calibration module. Asshown in FIG. 81, through the computer C, the user can click on theCalibration tab of the calibration module, wherein a Recent Runs dropdown menu is displayed and a Recent Walks drop down menu is displayed.The drop down menus are populated with recent calibration-eligible runsand walks that were uploaded from the assembly 14 as described above. Asshown in FIG. 82, it is understood that the drop down menus can expandas needed with up/down arrows wherein the user can scroll through themenus to select a run or walk to calibrate. In an exemplary embodiment,the date of the run or walk is listed with the measured distanceadjacent to the date. As can be appreciated from FIG. 83, once a userselects a run or walk field, the other field becomes inactiveautomatically. Thus, as shown in FIG. 83, once the user selects the8.23.08 run for example, the selection is highlighted and the RecentWalks field is inactive. Also, an Actual Distance field is displayedalong with up/down arrows and the standards of measurement. Thus, theuser can change between miles and kilometers if desired. The up/downarrows allow the user to change the Actual Distance value in incrementsof hundredths. Also, once the 8.23.08 run is selected, the associatedmeasured distance, 2.10 miles, is placed in the Actual Distance field.As shown in FIG. 84, the user can click on the up/down arrows to changethe measured distance to correspond to the known distance traversed bythe user. As shown in FIG. 84, the user knows the known distance of the8.23.08 run was 2.5 miles. Thus, the user clicks on the up arrow untilthe Actual Distance field is adjusted to 2.5 miles. Once the ActualDistance field is adjusted, the Save and Cancel buttons become activeand change to a perceptively different color such as the color red.Pressing Cancel returns the user to the screen shown in FIG. 80.Pressing the Apply button enters the information into the memoryassociated with the calibration module thereby saving the calibration.As shown in FIG. 85, in response to pressing the Apply button, theRecent Runs field displays the 8.23.08 run with the original measureddistance (2.10 miles) with the new calibrated distance (2.50 miles) nextto the original measured distance. This also provides an indication tothe user that this particular run was calibrated.

Consistent with the discussion above, this calibration adjustment shownin FIGS. 80-85 is saved to the assembly 14 wherein when the assembly 14is recording data with the associated sensor 12 in subsequent athleticperformances, the assembly 14 will record data based on the calibrationadjustment recorded and saved by the user. Accordingly, the assembly 14will have enhanced data recording capabilities based on the usercalibration performed. As discussed, the sensor 12 and/or assembly 14will initially record data at a certain set parameter and may bereferred to as a factory set parameter. Using the calibration module,the user can adjust the distance measured in a calibration run thusdefining a modified parameter. This modified parameter is saved to theassembly 14 wherein when the assembly 14 records subsequentperformances, the assembly 14 records data based on the modifiedparameter. It is understood that the assembly 14 and sensor has acalibration value for a run and a separate calibration value for a walk.In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly 14 communicates with the sensor12 to record run/walk data wherein it is understood that there is alinear relationship between foot contact time of user and pace, whereinfoot contact time may be considered a Y-axis value and pace may beconsidered an X-axis value. A run or walk can be represented by a lineutilizing the line algorithm, y=mx+b, wherein m equals the slope and bequals the Y-intercept. Thus, based on the line algorithm, data isrecorded according to a line having a certain slope. Once the useradjusts or modifies the measured distance to correspond to the knowndistance, the slope is modified according to the user modification. Thisnew slope is saved wherein for subsequent performance data recordings,the assembly 14 will communicate with the sensor 12 to record data atthe modified parameter or slope. It is understood that the sameprocedure described above can be done for a walk as well. Suchcalibration adjustment provides for enhanced data recordingcapabilities.

In one exemplary embodiment, if the user calibrates a run/walk a secondtime that utilizes a common sensor, the earlier calibration will beoverwritten by the subsequent calibration. The calibration module canalso be configured such that subsequent calibrations using a run/walkwith the same sensor can be combined with earlier calibrations. In suchinstances, the data can be combined wherein subsequent calibrationsfurther enhance the calibrations.

In one or more configurations, the line algorithm or formula correlatingfoot contact time and pace may be modified as new information andathletic performance data becomes available. For example, as discussedherein, an initial line algorithm may be modified based on a run orother athletic activity covering a known distance. If an athletesubsequently performs additional athletic activity traversing the sameor another distance, that contact vs. pace distance for that additionalathletic activity may be used to modify the line algorithm. The buildingof the line algorithm may provide better accuracy (e.g., in the eventdata for a first athletic activity is an outlier). In one example, theathletic performance data of the additional athletic activity may beaveraged into the line algorithm.

Additionally or alternatively, the line algorithm may be used tointerpolate or extrapolate distance conversions. That is, the linealgorithm may be initially generated based on a first athletic activityof a known distance (e.g., 1 mile). If subsequently an athlete performsa second athletic activity of a second measured distance, the contactinformation or pace data associated with the second athletic activitymay be adjusted to match the line algorithm so that a calibrateddistance may be determined (e.g., via extrapolation or interpolation).

With the calibration procedures described above, a user can use any runor walk for calibration, and not just a particular run completed incalibration mode. As the procedure is finalized using the personalcomputer of the user with user friendly prompts, it is much easier forthe user to understand and have confidence in the accuracy of theassembly 14.

FIGS. 54-55 discloses Utility Menu windows. These windows, depending onthe operating system, can be used as an alternate method for getting tosettings, battery status and the like.

FIGS. 56-79 disclose additional operational features on the use of thewearable device assembly 14, such as use of the toggle buttons during arun as well as procedures when ending a run. For example, upon ending arun, the user can use the toggle buttons to review the data justrecorded regarding the run. While the wearable device assembly 14 may beinitially linked to a sensor, the assembly 14 is capable of being linkedto multiple sensors. In one exemplary embodiment, the assembly 14 canlink to 8 sensors. This is very helpful if the user performs athleticactivity in more than one pair of shoes. FIGS. 76 and 77 provideadditional information regarding the memory and battery associated withthe wearable device assembly 14. FIGS. 45-49 disclose additionalinformation regarding uploading of recorded run data to a websitededicated to tracking athletic performance.

The calibration module of the present invention can be configured toprovide various additional features for enhancement of the deviceassembly 14.

In one exemplary embodiment, the calibration module is capable ofstoring multiple sets of calibration values for a user. Each calibrationvalue is designed to be applicable to a specific pace range. Thecalibration module can then be configured to use appropriate calibrationvalues depending on the pace of the walk or run of the user. Thus, asthe user varies foot contact time, the appropriate set of calibrationvalues is applied to calculate pace from the measured foot contact time.For example, the calibration information could include information for aslow pace, a medium pace and a fast pace. Based on the values read bythe sensor 12, the calibration module will use the appropriate value tocalibrate. Thus, if the run was done at a fast pace, the calibrationmodule will calibrate using information corresponding to a fast pace.

As discussed above, the calibration module may be configured to storeunique calibration values for each of a plurality of shoe sensors. Thisenables different calibrations for different shoes. For example, a usermay wear different shoes for different training regimens or styles. Theuser interface associated with the calibration module can provideadditional queries for a user to specify the type of training beingperformed and the calibration performed accordingly. The user can decidewhich runs/walks to calibrate based on which sensors were used for whichruns/walks. It is understood that the software could be configured toprovide a field to identify the sensor. It is further understood thateven with multiple sensors, the assembly 14 will understand whichparticular sensor the assembly 14 is communicating with.

The calibration module may also be configured to provide certainautomatic calibrations. For example, a user may participate in aperformance such as a race having a known distance, e.g., a 5k or 10krace. The calibration module can be configured to automaticallycalibrate the sensor 12 at the end of the event. Thus, the actualrecorded series of foot contact times can be correlated to the knowndistance of the overall event.

The calibration module may relate to a linear relationship between footcontact time and pace, wherein foot contact time may be considered aY-axis value and pace may be considered an X-axis value. A run or walkcan be represented by a line utilizing the line algorithm, y=mx+b,wherein m equals the slope and b equals the Y-intercept. The calibrationmodule may be configured such that the calibration methodology altersboth the slope and y-intercept values for each user for each walk or runcalibration values. The calibration module may also be configured suchthat only the y-intercept value for each walk and run calibration valueis altered.

The calibration module may also consider additional physiological traitsof the user. For example, a user's shoe size, height, inseam, gender orother traits can affect optimum calibration settings. Thus, the userinterface associated with the user interface may query the user to entercertain physiological traits during the calibration procedure.Additional calibration settings can then be utilized that are associatedwith the physiological traits. It is understood that a combination ofsuch traits could be utilized in the calibration process. This featurecan also be combined with other features described above to create anenhanced initial calibration (e.g., factory set, or “out-of-box”calibration) as well as an enhanced subsequent calibration.

As explained above, web-based map settings can be used to determine theknown distance regarding a calibration walk or run. When globalpositioning system (GPS) data is available and determined to beaccurate, the calibration module can be configured to automaticallycalibrate the sensor. In such fashion, the sensor 12 can be moreaccurate during times when GPS is not available such as during indooractivity or under heavy tree cover.

The calibration module can also be configured such that the module isoperable with a sensor 12 that is linked with multiple athleticperformance monitoring devices. For example, the user may use the deviceassembly 14 with a sensor 12 as well an additional monitoring devicethat is also linked with the sensor 12. The additional monitoring devicecould take various forms such as a traditional wristwatch havingappropriate athletic functionality as described herein, a mobile phone,digital music player, or other type of mobile device. The calibrationmodule can be configured such that the module is capable ofdistinguishing between different monitoring devices. Thus, if a usercalibrates a run performed with a sensor 12 and the device assembly 14,and then the user performs a run using the sensor 12 with a differenttype of athletic performance monitoring device, the module will instructthe different monitoring device to record data based on the calibrationdone for the sensor 12 and the device assembly 14.

CONCLUSION

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examplesincluding presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variationsand permutations of the above described systems and methods. Forexample, various aspects of the invention may be used in differentcombinations and various different subcombinations of aspects of theinvention may be used together in a single system or method withoutdeparting from the invention. Also, various elements, components, and/orsteps described above may be changed, changed in order, omitted, and/oradditional elements, components, and/or steps may be added withoutdeparting from this invention. Thus, the invention should be construedbroadly as set forth in the appended claims.

1. A method of calibration relating to monitoring athletic performanceof a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an athleticperformance monitoring device; performing an athletic activity by theuser traversing a known distance wherein the device records the athleticperformance by measuring the distance traversed; displaying the measureddistance traversed to provide a measured value; adjusting the measuredvalue to correspond to the known distance.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the user traverses by walking.
 3. The method of claim 1 whereinthe user traverses by running.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the userruns at a pace corresponding to a pace to be run during a race.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the known distance is generally between 0.25miles and 1.25 miles.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofdisplaying the measured distance traversed is performed on a deviceremote from the athletic performance monitoring device.
 7. The method ofclaim 6 wherein the step of adjusting the measured value is performed onthe remote device.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein prior to displayingthe measured distance, transferring the measured distance traversed to aremote website.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the measured distanceis displayed on a computer connected to the remote website.
 10. Themethod of claim 9 wherein the user adjusts the measured distance via thecomputer.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the athletic performancemonitoring device has sensor configured to worn by the user.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors,wherein the step of adjusting the measured value to correspond to theknown distance is performed for each sensor.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the step of adjusting the measured value is performed based onan adjustment value and wherein a first sensor of the plurality ofsensors is associated with a first adjustment value and a second sensorof the plurality of sensors is associated with a second adjustment valuedifferent from the first adjustment value.
 14. The method of claim 1wherein the known distance is determined by a web-based mapping service.15. The method of claim 1 wherein the known distance is determined froman average of prior multiple athletic performances.
 16. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving athletic activity datacorresponding to a traversal of a second measured distance differentfrom the measured distance; and converting the second measured distanceto a calibrated distance based on the adjustment made to the measuredvalue.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the conversion is performedby the athletic performance monitoring device.
 18. The method of claim1, wherein the step of adjusting the measured distance is performedbased on an adjustment formula and wherein the method further comprises:receiving a second measured distance corresponding to the usertraversing the known distance after adjusting the measured distance;determining the that second measured distance is different from themeasured distance; and in response, modifying the adjustment formulabased on the second measured distance.
 19. An athletic performancemonitoring system for a user wherein the user utilizes a shoe-basedsensor, the device comprising: a device having a USB connector, thedevice connected to a carrier configured to be worn by the user, thedevice having a controller configured to communicate with the sensor torecord an athletic performance of the user, the athletic performancerecording including measuring a distance traversed by the user; acalibration module operably associated with the device, the calibrationmodule configured to display the measured distance traversed by the userwherein the user can compare the measured distance to a known distanceassociated with the athletic performance and adjust the measureddistance to correspond to the known distance.
 20. The system of 19wherein the device measures the distance walked by the user.
 21. Thesystem of 19 wherein the device measures the distance run by the user.22. The system of 21 wherein the user runs at a pace corresponding to apace to be run during a race.
 23. The system of 19 wherein the knowndistance is generally between 0.25 miles and 1.25 miles.
 24. The systemof 19 wherein the calibration module is located on a computer, thedevice being connected to the computer via the USB connector, whereinthe measured distance traversed is transferred from the device to thecomputer and wherein the computer displays the measured distancetraversed.
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein calibration module isconfigured for the user to adjust the measured distance traversed viathe computer.
 26. The system of 19 wherein the calibration module islocated on a remote website, the device being connected to a computervia the USB connector wherein the computer is in communication with theremote website, wherein the measured distance traversed is transferredfrom the device to the computer and to the website and wherein thewebsite displayed the measured distance traversed on the computer. 27.The system of 26 wherein the calibration module is configured for theuser to adjust the measured distance traversed via the computer.
 28. Thesystem of claim 26 wherein in response to plugging the device into thecomputer, the measured distance traversed is automatically uploaded tothe calibration module.
 29. The system of claim 19 wherein the knowndistance is determined by a web-based mapping service.
 30. The system ofclaim 19 wherein the known distance is determined from an average ofprior multiple athletic performances.
 31. A calibration system for usewith an athletic performance monitoring device for a user wherein theuser utilizes a shoe-based sensor in communication with the device, thedevice having a controller configured to communicate with the sensor torecord an athletic performance of the user, the athletic performancerecording including measuring a distance traversed by the user, thesystem comprising: a calibration module configured to be operablyassociated with the device, the calibration module configured to displaythe measured distance traversed by the user wherein the user can comparethe measured distance to a known distance associated with the athleticperformance and adjust the measured distance to correspond to the knowndistance.
 32. The calibration system of claim 31, wherein the adjustmentof the measured distance to correspond to the known distance isperformed based on an adjustment formula and wherein the calibrationmodule is further configured to modify the adjustment formula based onone or more additional athletic performances of the user.